The family of a man who died in an accident on the M4 have paid tribute to their “wonderful” son.

Joshua Hobbins, 23, from the Bridgend area, was killed when his silver Toyota Avensis left the motorway between junctions 36 and 37 of the motorway at around 8.15pm on Saturday.

In a statement, his family said: “To our beautiful son. Our son was a wonderful, wonderful son, brother, person and all round nice guy. His life was all mapped for him, a masters degree in mechanical engineering with a job which he loved, friends who he loved and they loved him too. It’s all been taken away from him by a cruel, tragic accident, lost forever but ever in our hearts and minds.”

The tribute is from mum and stepdad Janet and Andrew James, dad Paul Hobbins and his sister and brother Sophie and Darian James.

Tributes have also been paid to the former Swansea University student, who lived in the city, on social media.

Matty Francis posted on Facebook: “Such horrible news. Top bloke been taken away. Your gonna be greatly missed mate RIP Josh Hobbins. Thoughts go out to your family and all who had the pleasure to call you a friend.”

Connor Woodland wrote: “I hoped it wasn’t true. Rest in peace Hobbins, you were one in a million boy. The world is a far worse place for losing you.”

Bryony Davies posted: “Such shocking news. Such a tragedy, so many young lives being taken to soon. My thoughts go out to your family. RIP Josh.”

South Wales Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference number 1400292619.